STORMERS MUST BEAT LEICESTER TO KEEP HOME PLAYOFF DREAM ALIVE

IT’S DO or die for the Stormers in their final Champions Cup Pool 3 fixture against Leicester Tigers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday at 5.15pm.

Win and they will leapfrog second-placed Harlequins – temporarily at least – to take possession of the second home fixture spot in the pool for the Round of 16.

If they win with a bonus point and Leinster lose to Bayonne – they play at the same time – the Kapenaars could overtake the Irish giants at the top of the standings if they have a better points difference at the end of the round.

Realistically, though, they are eyeing second place and will be hoping French giants La Rochelle will do them a favour on Sunday by beating Harlequins.

The Kaapse span will enter their match against the Tigers as favourites, given their strong form before last week’s setback and will give everything to hold onto their unbeaten run at home this season.

They will also be mindful of the fact that Leicester have delivered a few quality performances away from home.

Meanwhile, Springbok loose forward Evan Roos has signed a contract extension that will see him continue to play his rugby innie Kaap until at least 2028.

Elsewhere, the Bulls face a challenging task against Pau at Stade du Hameau on Friday (10pm) and must win to keep alive their chances of progressing to the Round of 16, as they are currently at the foot of their pool with two points.

The Sharks are in a more comfortable position as they trail fourth-placed Toulouse by only two points, although they also need to win their clash at Kings Park against Clermont at 3pm on Saturday to staan ‘n kans to make it to the Round of 16.

In the Challenge Cup, the Lions take on Perpignan at Stade Aime Giral at 7.30pm on Saturday to hold onto their spot in the top four, while the Cheetahs who play Racing 92 at 7.30pm on Sunday are already out of the running for a playoff berth.